Health-related quality of life of Greek adolescents: the role of the Mediterranean diet

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to an individual's perception and subjective evaluation of their health and well-being within their unique cultural environment. HRQOL in relation to adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in adolescents has not been adequately investigated in the past. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life in Greek adolescents. A total of 359 students (166 boys; 193 girls), 13-16 years old, were recruited from 13 high schools in the area of Athens and the Dodecanese. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken, and obesity was assessed using the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Students completed the KIDMED index, which evaluates the degree of adherence to the MD. Perceived HRQOL was assessed by the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire for children and adolescents. Adherence to the MD seems to be significantly positively correlated with all the components and total score of HRQOL, in adolescents. Linear regression analysis has revealed that the level of adherence to the MD (P < 0.001), the level maternal education (P < 0.05) and the number of meals per day consumed with the family (P = 0.001) are significantly positively associated with HRQOL in adolescents. Adherence to the MD positively affects important components of HRQOL in adolescents.